The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1887-12-16

to touch cider, but told him to take a
little "for his stomach's sake" The men
laughed at his scruples, and finally he
yielded to temptation. Like in my own
case, cider soon became too weak to satisfy
the intense craving, and yesterday, while
his only brother. Am not the murderer"
Farmer Newman threw himself on the
soft, cool grass, and crossing his arms,
pressed his hot face against them. He re-
manned motionless for a long time. The
sweet-voiced songster that had claimed
the attention of Jack and Oracle again
broke forth in gladstone song. Farmer
Newman raised his head and listened to
the melody.
SIS it an omen?' he murmured grayely.
God grant that it may prove a har-
binger of peace and happiness? fl
could-pray-rll go to Mary. She has
always been a Christian, and I've heard
her say that God will strengthen those that
ask Him."
oiOhly IioiuS, nun LILO iCSQmOCht @tli-
tude, Farmer Newman turned toward
home. His pale, sad-faced wife met him
at the door. Her timid, half shrinking
manner touched the husband as 1t never
had done before. In the days gone by
Jack and Oracle always ran race to see
who could claim the first kiss from father;
but now they shrank back into the room as
though fearing to meet him. Farmer
Newman, in his changed state of mind,
noted all this, and the pang that shot
through his heart was more bitter than the
apples of Sodom. Tears trcmbled upon
his lashes, and his voice was unsteady as,
placing his arm around the shrinking form
of his wife, he reached out his hand and
said:
"Come Jack-Gracier'
With glad cry both sprang forward,
and with arms clasped around wife and
children the repentng man prayed ear
nestly for strength to resist temptation.
"Elurry along with that cider, Jack
our throats are dry enough to burn up!'
exclaimed one of the farm hands as he es-
pied Jack coming across the field carry
ing pail.
"Here is something that mother prepar-
ed for you. She thought you'd like some
thing besides cider for change said
Jack
"Cider's good enough for us" said one
of them in disappointed tone.
''Sure, an Pm willin' to swallow any
thing the missHs riccomminds," said a
diminutive Irish hand calamity.
"Well, let's sample it, boys; I'm dry as
chip" said the first speaker. 'Jim-
miny, that's the best dose I've had for
many long day." he exclaimed as he
drained huge cup filled with the mix
ture.
1.-THE ole 'oman'll be wantin' to know
how the missus makes the loikes o that,
said the little Irishman, smacking his
lips.
''Sure, it has the tashte of oat-male, il
I'm not mistaken"
The hands gathered around Jack. Each
one was anxious to know how the delic-
ious draught was prepared.
"It's simple enough" said Jack, smil-
ing.
'sMother boiled pound of oatmeal in
four quarts of water, then she strained il
and made it thin with skinned milk
Grated nutmeg and a little sugar gives il
a nice flavor. 1t stood in the spring house
about two hours, long enough to get cold
all the way through. | tell you, my
mother means to give you some mighty
good things to drink, she knows good
deal," continued Jack admiringly.
''That she does, an the bye's every incl
the son av his mother" said the irrepres
sible son of Erin.
Jack laughed and the men dispersed
| laughing and joking, refreshed by the cool
ing draught of which they had partaken
The next day cold coffee was served Il
the men; those who desired it added mill
and sugar. Barley-water, containing SUI
gar and lemon juice was served every Sat
! urday afternoon. Mrs. Newman some
times accompanied Jack when he carried
his pail to the field, and with her owl
hands served the draught
st do beat all the way the missus is
pickin' up. She's as han 'som' an rosy "a
gal in her teens" said one of the hands
can do you mind the boss? Sure, he
that changed his own mother I'D not know
| him at all, at all. Nver cross wurrut
do you hear him say since be sent the OWL
black bottle flynn, an tits blissed thing
for the risht av us, for niyer the dhrop l'v
taken inside me mouth since the day Will
the lad, good luck to him, brought us thu
pail full av GA. male and milk, said Pats.
McGinnis earnestly.
1t was bright sunny day early in DC
| tober. Something unusual appears to b.
| going on at the farmhouse. Present..
the front door is opened, and farmer New
man. accompanied by Jack steps out up
on the veranda. Mrs. Newman AM
| Oracle follow them to the door.
''Be sure and write at least three times
week, jack" said Oracle. making an ei
fort to speak cheerfully.
''Of counsel will" replied Jack gaily
and with fond kiss and loving embraces